Swaddling in a baby blanket is a well-known technique that you and your little one can find advantageous. This process must be done under the parent’s supervision to make sure your baby is not overheated under the cover. This article explains how to know if baby is too hot in swaddle and what to do in such a situation.
Let’s Get the Hang of Baby’s Temperature Regulation
Babies are not able to regulate their body temperature as successfully as older children. This is due to their immune system is still developing. The normal body temperature for babies typically ranges between 97.5°F and 99.5°F (36.4°C to 37.5°C). There are several factors that affect the newborn’s thermoregulation. These include the baby’s age, their weight, and general health status.
While beneficial in many ways, swaddling can interfere with a baby’s ability to regulate his or her own temperature. The tight fit may sometimes result in overheating. Because it compromises the child’s ability to release heat. This is why it requires extra caution for parents to regularly check the temperature of their little one who is wrapped in a swaddle.
The Common Signs Your Baby Is Too Hot in a Swaddle
Physical Indicators
The first sign that may signal your baby is overheated is that their skin turns flushed or red. The most common spots are the face, chest, and limbs. Another obvious sign of overheating is when the little one sweats on the neck or back. But you should understand that not all babies are going to sweat when they are too warm.
Feeling the baby’s skin can also provide valuable information. A child who is too hot will be warm to the touch, especially around the chest and abdomen areas. The hands and feet, which are generally cooler, may also be hot to the touch.
Behavioral Signs
Babies who are overheated become restless or irritable. They may squirm more than usual or have problems settling down to sleep. Another sign is rapid breathing. Babies may breathe faster when they are trying to cool down.
Overheating may also be a cause for lack of appetite. For example, if a baby who has been eager and enthusiastic about feeding loses appetite, it could be due to the discomfort of being too hot when in a swaddle.
How to Check Your Baby’s Temperature
The most accurate method of determining your baby’s temperature is by using a thermometer. For newborns below the age of three months, the rectal thermometer is the most accurate option. For older babies, an ear or forehead thermometer can be used.
If using touch to measure temperature, use the palm on the chest or back of the little one. These areas are more accurate in determining the overall body temperature. Unlike the hands and feet - these parts can be cold even when the child is experiencing heat stroke.
For the first three months, you should take the temperature daily. You can do it, for example, when changing diapers or before feeding time.
Factors That Can Contribute to Overheating
The ideal room temperature for a sleeping baby is between 68°F to 72°F (20°C to 22°C). A room that’s too warm can quickly lead to an overheated baby, especially when combined with a swaddling blanket.
The type and thickness of the swaddle material also matter. Heavy blankets or thick, fuzzy materials may trap too much heat. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are generally better choices for swaddling.
Many new parents make the mistake of overdressing their baby before swaddling. Unfortunately, this often leads to overheating. As a general rule, babies need one more layer than adults would wear in the same conditions.
Time of day and seasonal considerations also affect a baby’s temperature. Babies may need fewer layers or lighter swaddles during warm summer months when temperatures are highest.
Best Practices for Safe Swaddling
Select organic fabrics such as light fabric or cotton muslin. They are light and allow the skin to breathe. Such materials provide some space for air circulation and stable temperature regulation.
The proper swaddling technique also plays a critical role. The swaddle must be tight across the chest area but loose at the hips and legs. This not only helps prevent overheating but also contributes to the growth of strong hip muscles.
Make sure the room temperature is not too low or too high. Use a thermometer in a room to guarantee that the temperature in the nursery is ideal. During warmer weather, a fan can be used to circulate the air. But don’t direct the airflow at the baby!
Put breathable clothes on the little one when swaddling. A thin bodysuit or simply a diaper is just fine. Don’t cover the baby’s head with a hat or a beanie when indoors. Babies can sweat through their heads.
When to Stop Swaddling a Baby
One of the main factors is the baby’s age. Most babies quit swaddling between the ages of two and four months. However, every child is unique, and this period may occur sooner or later.
Developmental milestones also have great importance in this context. Swaddling should be stopped as soon as your baby starts displaying signs of rolling. Wrapped babies who start rolling onto their stomachs may find it challenging to turn back into a safe position.
Other reasons to consider when to stop swaddling include when the baby moves a lot during sleep, struggles against the swaddle, or appears more relaxed with their arms no longer restrained. You will notice when the baby begins sleeping better when the swaddle is off or when the baby is learning to self-soothe.
Additional Safety Considerations
Let’s discuss the link between swaddling and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) risk. Although swaddling does not increase the risk of SIDS, overheating does. This is why you should regularly check the temperature of your baby, who is wrapped up in a swaddle.
When it’s time to sleep, put your baby on their back. This is the safest sleeping position in order to prevent SIDS and other related problems. If your baby rolls over while still remaining wrapped, you should unwrap your child immediately. Place them on a sleep sack instead so that their arms are not constrained.
Monitor your child frequently while they are asleep, especially during the early months. You might want to opt for a baby monitor with temperature monitoring for extra safety.
What to Do If Your Baby Is Too Hot
If a baby shows any sign of overheating, act quickly to cool the baby down. Undress the baby by taking off the swaddle and any other clothing that the little one is wearing. If possible, move the baby to a cooler room. Place a fan in the room to help regulate the temperature. Provide breast milk or formula to avoid any form of dehydration.
In most cases, these measures will suffice. However, if a baby displays such symptoms as exhaustion, vomiting or has a temperature above 103°F (39.4°C), consult your doctor immediately.
Conclusion
Babies can greatly benefit from swaddling as it can be used to enhance their sleep patterns. However, rookie parents may face a problem with overheating. Use this guide to get to know the signs of blanket overheating and implement correct swaddling methods to help your baby remain comfortable.
Of course, each baby is different. What is good for one child may not be good for another one. Trust your instincts, and if you have any qualms about your baby’s temperature regulation or swaddling, do not hesitate to consult with your pediatrician. When done properly, swaddling is safe and quite helpful in calming down your little one.
